Centennial Elementary School in Edmond has been named a Great Expectations Model School — the seventh Edmond school to achieve the prestigious designation.

The Great Expectations (GE) teaching/training model is guided by six basic principles and 17 classroom practices that allow students to become self-directed learners, productive citizens, critical thinkers and contributors in the classroom as well as in society.

“The Centennial faculty, staff, administration and students take great pride in reaching this goal,” said Principal Jessele Miller. “Everyone worked diligently over a two-year period implementing and practicing the components that make Great Expectations such a worthwhile endeavor.”

The Great Expectations Program is a scientifically-based research educational reform model that combines the best practices of instruction and character development by merging a culture of respect with academic excellence. The program helps children develop the social skills and character traits that nurture their hearts while the classroom practices used by teachers build their brains.

The basic principles of the program are: high expectations for students, a learning climate based on mutual respect between student and teacher, student self-esteem, a belief that all students can learn, positive teacher attitude, and highly skilled and knowledgeable teachers who inspire and enable students to achieve success.